1944 Japan 50 Sen Banknote – Wartime Imperial Issue (Pick# 59c.3) A striking WWII-era fractional note issued by the Empire of Japan, featuring patriotic imagery and stylized design.


Historical Context

The 1944 50 Sen note (Pick# 59c.3) was issued during the height of World War II by the Great Imperial Japanese Government. As Japan faced mounting economic pressures and resource shortages, lower-denomination notes like this were introduced to replace metal coins and facilitate daily transactions. These notes circulated widely across Japan and its occupied territories, reflecting both wartime austerity and imperial pride.

Issued in the 19th year of the Shōwa era (1944), this note is part of a series that emphasized nationalistic themes and traditional Japanese aesthetics, serving both monetary and propagandistic purposes.


Design Features

Obverse: Printed in black ink over green and brown underprint, the note features the Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of imperial reverence and military honor. The denomination “50 SEN” is prominently displayed in Western numerals and Japanese script.

Reverse: Features a mountain landscape at center, rendered in green ink, with decorative framing and the denomination repeated.

Color Scheme: Black on green and brown (obverse); green (reverse), with intricate linework and traditional motifs.



Specifications & Corner Data
Feature Description
Pick Number P-59c.3
Denomination 50 Sen
Issuing Authority Great Imperial Japanese Government
Year of Issue 1944 (Shōwa 19)
Material Paper
Size Approx. 105 × 65 mm
Printer Japanese Government Printing Bureau
Watermark None
Security Features None
Reverse Printed with mountain scene
Languages Used Japanese
Block Variant Low Block #181 (rare)


Collector Appeal

This note is ideal for:
WWII and Pacific War collectors
Historians of Japanese wartime finance
Exhibits on imperial propaganda and currency design

Its patriotic imagery and wartime issuance make it a compelling piece of Japan’s numismatic legacy. High-grade examples, especially rare block variants, are sought after by collectors.